In September of 2009, my husband and I went on a little road trip one Sunday afternoon and ended up at Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskills. I had never been there before and was amazed at how beautiful it was. I was also surprised at how close you could get to the edge of the falls.

Beth Christy
Beth Christy
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It's a bit deceiving as to how dangerous it can be when you are up there. I know that may sound stupid, but there's not a raging river of water going over the edge, it's a small stream, and there's lots of big flat rocks everywhere that are easy to climb and sit on as you look over. Unfortunately, and tragically, many people have discovered that it is extremely dangerous and deadly, as many have lost their lives at the top of the falls.

Beth Christy
Beth Christy
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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced this week the completion of $750,000 of safety improvements at Kaaterskill Falls including a 115-foot hiking bridge that spans Spruce Creek and connects Haines Falls to the North/South Lake campground, a new foot trail from the end of Kaaterskill Falls Trail to the base of the falls upslope to the middle pool of the falls, and a fully accesible trail leading to an overlook platform at the top of the falls.

Beth Christy
Beth Christy
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While all of these features should keep everyone safe, we all know that not everyone obeys signs or safety features. With that in mind, The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is reminding all visitors to please obey and follow all signs to have an enjoyable visit.

It is a beautiful place to be, let's keep it a safe place to be as well.